Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to be cremated October 26

29 september 2017

In response to recent questions from villas guests, IVL Property would like to explain what will be happening in Thailand in October during the funeral and cremation of the beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away peacefully on October 13, 2106, at the age of 88 after a long fight with illness. October 13 will now and forever be a new public holiday marking the King’s death. World leaders expressed their remorse and the country entered a year long period of mourning and reflection on his long and fruitful life. The King has been lying in state in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall at the Grand Palace. Over 10 million people will have paid their respects to the King by the end of September. The Grand Palace will be closed to the public from October 1-29.

The Thai Royal Family recently announced the Royal Cremation for October 25-29 with the actual cremation on October 26 The schedule is as follows, as reported by The Committee on Public Relations for the Royal Cremation for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej:

October 25 Royal merit-making ceremony at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall at the Grand Palace.

October 26 the royal urn will be moved to the Royal Crematorium for a scheduled 8:00 p.m. cremation. To pay final respects to the King, festivities and public performances to mark the end of the mourning period will commence in Bangkok at 6:00 p.m. and finish at 6:00 a.m. on October 27.

October 27 collection of royal relics at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

October 28 merit-making ceremony for the collection of royal relics.

October 29 royal relics to be moved for enshrinement in the Heavenly Abode in Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall. At 5:30 p.m. the royal ashes will be enshrined at Wat Ratchabophit and Wat Bovoranives.

Are the funeral ceremonies open to the public?

Though these ceremonies are open to the public it is absolutely necessary for all participants to dress conservatively in black or grey and refrain from taking photos of the Royal Family. Many bars and clubs will voluntarily close for the duration of the funeral and most shops will not sell alcohol of the day of the cremation.

Will daily life on Koh Samui be affected by the funeral?

Koh Samui establishments will likely follow suit and IVL suggests taking the time to enjoy a quiet dinner with Thai people to reflect on the life of such an important figure in Thai culture. Villa guests are encouraged to ask their IVL concierge closer to the funeral for any special ceremonies that might be held on Koh Samui.

Following the funeral, plans will be announced for the coronation of Bhumibol’s son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who took the throne in December of 2016 though wished to avoid a formal coronation until after his father’s funeral.